Four killed in encounter with Meghalaya Police-ATS in East Garo Hills

Four individuals lost their lives during a confrontation with a joint task force comprising the Meghalaya Police and Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in the East Garo Hills district, according to police reports. The violent exchange occurred around 4 a.m. on Sunday when the security team established a checkpoint along the route from Songsak to Kagal, following intelligence reports.

Upon the team signaling a suspicious vehicle to halt, the vehicle's occupants allegedly opened fire on the police personnel, prompting a retaliatory response from the security forces. As a result, all four occupants sustained serious injuries and were promptly transported to a local hospital, where they were pronounced dead upon arrival.

The identities of the deceased have not been confirmed, and police are currently investigating their criminal backgrounds. Additionally, authorities are examining whether the men were involved in the recent kidnapping and murder of a businessman near the border in Damra. All forensic teams are actively engaged in verifying the identities of the victims, and the police are diligently pursuing the investigation and necessary legal procedures.